STUDENTS showed off their talents and learned new skills when they took part in a music festival.

Young people from five different primary schools took part in the festival, held at St Mary's School in Shaftesbury.

It was the second music festival that has been held for the primary schools.

The first festival was set up to celebrate the school's anniversary and was so successful the exercise was repeated.

Around 140 youngsters took part on Saturday, from St Andrew's in Fontmell Magna, Motcombe Primary, The Abbey Primary School and Wardour Catholic Primary School - all in Shaftesbury - and St Nicholas School in Child Okeford.

They took part in an orchestral workshop in the main school hall then separated for school by school instrumental performances.

There was also a joint choral workshop, followed by performances from school choirs from Wardour, The Abbey and Motcombe.

Parents stayed and listened to all or part of the day.

Sarah Pugh, the organiser and head of instrumental music at St Mary's, said she felt the day had gone well.

"Children really enjoyed themselves and they had lots of fun," she said.

"They are very talented young musicians and it is a great way for state and private sectors to work together."

Mrs Pugh said she was already looking forward to next year's festival.